FinDog millionaire

Michael Finley has until July 1 to decide whether to opt-out of his Spurs contract, though most everyone has assumed he would be back.

Maybe that’s still the case. He’s been happy in San Antonio, and he’s scheduled to earn $2.5 million. There’s a chance another team would offer a 2-year contract, but, in this economy, the bid might be only the veteran’s minimum.

Those who know Finley say he wants to keep playing. His body held up well last season, when he appeared in 81 games, and the one game he missed deserves an asterisk. That was in Denver, when Gregg Popovich famously sat most of his starters.

But the personnel changes last week also change the equation. Now, with Richard Jefferson sure to take most of his minutes, does Finley want to come back and play in a limited role?

Bruce Bowen, as accustomed to starting and playing as Finley, struggled last season making the same adjustment.

Popovich likely wants Finley back. He’s had as much respect for Finley as for any of his players, and Popovich would reason that Finley’s professionalism would contribute in some form.

Still, after the Jefferson trade, this is a franchise that will be paying the luxury tax. If Jefferson gets 32-34 minutes a night, and if Popovich spreads wing minutes between Roger Mason Jr., Manu Ginobili and George Hill, would the Spurs prefer to develop Malik Hairston, Marcus Williams or someone else?

For those who mark the time: If Finley leaves, Tim Duncan becomes the elder Spur.